Mange, caused by parasitic mites, causes itchy spots across a dog’s skin. Scabs can form from the dog scratching. Mange can be quite uncomfortable and potentially contagious to other animals in your home as well as, on occasion, to humans by way of itchy bumps. Your dog may lose hair, develop sensitive sores, and be in intense pain, causing anxiety and restlessness. Your veterinarian can advise on mange medications and ways to keep your other animals away from your dog until they are safe to be together again. If left untreated, mange can be life-threatening for your dog. Along with veterinary medications, there are several ways you can treat mange safely from home.

There are a few possible home remedies for treating mange. From bathing to spot cleaning or food additives, mange might be handled at home, although if any of the remedies are not working, then seeing your veterinarian is best.  

An apple cider vinegar bath can help get rid of the mange mites. Mix ½ cup of apple cider vinegar with ½ cup of Borax and warm water. Be sure the Borax is fully dissolved before sponging the mixture on your dog’s skin and coat. Also make sure your dog does not lick the mixture, as ingesting Borax can be harmful. Use an Elizabethan collar if necessary. Apply mixture to your dog’s entire body and coat, avoiding the mouth and eyes. Then let the solution air dry without towel drying.

The same mixture in a spray bottle can be applied to smaller areas on your dog’s skin and fur without having to bathe the entire dog. This is perfect for small dogs or small affected areas.

Apple cider vinegar can also be added to your dog's food or water. Add a teaspoon for dogs under 30 pounds or a tablespoon for dogs over 30 pounds to their food bowl might help get rid of mange. Apple cider vinegar has both antiseptic and antibacterial properties which will help heal your dog as well and create a pH balance necessary for healing the skin.

Honey has incredible properties and can be used for many ailments for animals as well as humans. Its antiseptic and antioxidant properties will help heal the sore, tender skin while building immunities. Honey can also cleanse the skin of bacteria and the dirt and grime from mange. Apply honey directly to the sore spots on your dog’s skin for treatment. This is a messy treatment, but might help.  

Applying olive oil directly to the affected areas can soothe the tender skin might help rid the area of the mange mites.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Borax    

Sponge bathing your dog with a Borax and hydrogen peroxide solution is a popular treatment for mange. Hydrogen peroxide and Borax together might help resolve the mange mites  and heal the skin sores.

Applying these treatments on a regular basis may help rid your dog of mange, and on a weekly basis could keep it from recurring.  If the problem is not improving, then seeing a veterinarian would be best, as there are very effective medications to help with this problem.  

Dedication to treatment is essential when treating mange. It could take up to four weeks for mange to resolve and for the sore, tender skin to fully heal. It may take even longer for fur to grow back fully. If treated daily for a full month, these treatments may help if a dog is infested with mites. Some dogs are susceptible to mange based on genetics, and these dogs may need medical therapy.  

To gain the full effect of a natural mange remedy, be sure to treat the skin spots, ears, and nose daily along with bathing at least every week if not every few days.

Your dog will need to be on a well-maintained diet to improve their immune system and fight infection from mange. While your dog is showing signs of mange, keep them away from other pets in the household. As you are treating mange and bathing your dog, be sure to launder the dog’s bedding as well. A Borax and apple cider vinegar laundering will keep your dog’s bedding clean and free of mange as your dog heals. If your dog has lost weight as a result of mange, be sure to watch them eat meals and ensure they are gaining weight back at a healthy rate. You may notice more energy from your dog as they begin to feel better.

Treating mange from home isn’t costly. You could spend under $25 for a month’s supply of natural ingredients for a mange sponge bath. Upkeep with laundering bedding and weekly baths, shouldn't be more than $25 a month. If your veterinarian recommends antibiotics or a medicated shampoo, you may spend a bit more, but not much more than a routine trip to the vet and $50-100 on medication and shampoo. To keep that cost down you can opt for the antibiotic from your veterinarian if it is necessary and make the bathing solution at home.  Be sure to discuss this with your veterinarian, as they will be able to let you know if this at home treatment will be successful.  

Mange is treatable, but it can also vary in degrees of comfort and pain. If a skin infection is present, see your veterinarian for advice and treatment. You may be able to treat mange at home with baths and natural food additives while still treating an infection medically. Keeping a close eye on your dog’s skin and reactions to these natural remedies gives you control over how often you need to treat and which remedy is working best for your dog’s condition.

Keeping your dog clean and healthy is key to preventing mange. Hygiene for your dog’s skin and coat are essential to the overall health of your dog. You’ll need to keep your dog’s bedding clean as well. If you know of other dogs or pets who have mange, keep your dog away from them. Brushing your dog daily and a healthy diet can assist in keeping your dog mange free. If your dog is outside often or around other dogs at parks and such, be sure to follow up with baths and washing. Pay close attention to your dog’s coat and skin so you can tell if anything is awry.

Mange can be expensive to treat. If you suspect your dog has mange or is at risk, start searching for pet insurance today. Brought to you by Pet Insurer, Wag! Wellness lets pet parents compare insurance plans from leading companies like PetPlan and Trupanion. Find the “pawfect” plan for your pet in just a few clicks!